Treatment of hemorrhagic complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in Galdakao position.

Objective: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a technique with good results for the treatment of kidney stones, however, bleeding complications derived can be serious if not diagnosed and treated effectively. The aim of this study is to assess bleeding complications resulting from PCNL in Galdakao position and therapeutic management.

Methods: Retrospective-longitudinal study of 172 PCNL performed in La Ribera Hospital between January 2005 and December 2011, analyzing their bleeding complications and the treatment provided for resolution.

Results: Had bleeding complications 20 patients (11.6%). The need for transfusion in this series was 8.1% and the most common cause of blood transfusion the presence of postoperative retroperitoneal (7.5%). There were 6 arterial injuries (3.5%), 5 of them successfully treated with angiography and arterial selective embolization.

Conclusions: The arterial injuries following PCNL are rare but can be serious. The possibility of an urgent arteriography and selective embolization to the diagnosis permits an effective and safe treatment of bleeding without risk to the affected renal unit.